r this reason he became so intimate with Zwingli and
remained so true to him, through all changes, to the end of his life.
About the same time that his friend went to Einsiedeln, he himself
received a call as teacher in the _foundation school_ at Zurich. Here
he soon gained influence and consideration, and it was owing to his
efforts that the present invitation was extended to Zwingli, who
answered him thus, "See that you tell me of the course of duties, the
persons, who are at the head of affairs, the salary and whatever else
you can find out. On Wednesday I will dine in Zurich and then we can
talk over the matter. I will take no step without your advice.
Congratulate, according to usage, in my name the newly elected Provost
Frei, as one who is a friend to learning."

Myconius confirmed him in his resolution to offer himself as a
candidate for the post; and, some days after, Zwingli laid open his
heart to his friend. "A _fable_"--writes he--"reaches my ears; that
Lorenzo Fable, so the Swabian from Graubuenden is called, has preached
once before your congregation, and is not wholly unacceptable to the
prudent people of Zurich; yet a letter from Michael, the private
secretary of the Cardinal, assures me of the contrary. How, said I to
myself, is it thus true, that the prophet has the least honor in his
own country? Can a Swabian even be preferred to a Switzer, who, on his
own territory, would not be regarded as inferior? Yes, indeed! I see
well how he strives to gain the applause of the multitude by flattery.
I know too that the whole endeavor of the vain man is after that--this
Jack Smoke, as I, with our Glareanus, will call fellows of his kidney.
Keep this scornful effusion of mine to yourself, dear friend, and
continue to work for me, for I will freely confess, the place appears
now doubly desirable, since I know, that he hankers after it. Yes, what
I would otherwise have borne patiently, would now seem a real disgrace.
Indeed I must go against the warning of Paul, who accuses them, that
covet, of worldly-mindedness. Already I had proposed to myself, to
expound the whole Gospel of Matthew, an undertaking hitherto unheard of
in Germany. Let them choose him and they will soon see what he will
bring out of his goose-stall. Take this hasty letter in good part. It
is more warm than prudent."

Myconius answered, that his friendly letter was welcome, and the more
so, because he had given in it a true picture of himself. Abo